Detachably mounted counterbalanced windrower



July 7, 1953 Filed Dec.

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. Gttornegs July-"7,Y 1953 j 1 E. oBERHoLTz 2,644,287 Q DTACHABLY MOUNTED coUNTERBALANEQ'wiNDRowER 'Filed De. 15. 194s vshees-sneet 7 Gttornegs Patented` July 7, 1953 DETACHABLY MOUNTED COUNTER- BALANCED WINDROWER Lester E. Oberholtz, Independence, .Mo., assi-gnor to `Gleaner Harvester Corporation, Independence, Mo., a corporation -ofDelaware Application December 15, 1948, SerialNo. 65,307

1 This invention relates to windrowers for cutting Vand depositing crops .in windrows preparatory to curing and subsequent processing opera-- tions and has for its principal object to provide a 'machine of this character having a strong, lightweight construction with the weight balanced on the main wheel to promote traction and facilitate mobility in response to the draft vehicle by 'which the machine is propelled.

Other objects of theinvention are to provide an arrangement of the supporting wheels and `automatic control of the draper so as to avoid operation of the machine over windows when turning corners of a field; to provide ready adaptation of the machine for light and heavy crops; to provide for pivoting the harvter section of the frame on the main frame independently of the support of the main frame for adjusting the cutting height of the sickle; to provide the machine with driving connections which do not require belt tighteners; to lprovide a frame structure which eliminates twisting in the harvester frame section because of side draft; to provide a frame construction which faciiltates assembly and disconnection of the harvester section from the main frame;v to provide the machine with a stubble shield which is automatically kept clear of cut grain by action of the stubble; and to provide theY machine with an adjustable draft tongue to control the side draft. l

In accomplishing these and other objects of the invention, I have provided improved structure, the preferred form of which is illustrated in the accompanying drawings wherein.: y

Fig. 1 is a plan view of a windrowing machine embodying the features of the present invention l with portions of the machine broken away to shorten the iigure and to better illustrate other parts of the machine.

Fig. 2 is a perspective view of the main wheel side of the machine with parts broken away to better illustrate parts that obscure other parts.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged perspective view of the opposite side of the machine, part of the grain wheel being broken away to better illustrate the draper driving mechanism.

Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section through the machine on the line 4 4 of Fig. i..

Fig, 5 is a similar section on the line 5-5 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 6 is a detail perspective view diagonal brace.

Fig. '7 is an enlarged cross section through the joint of the main diagonal brace on the line 1 1 of Fig. 6.

f the main 8 Claims. (Cl. 56-192) Fig. 8 is an enlarged perspective view -of the main frame and harvester section of the machine shown in disconnected spaced relation.

Fig. 9 isv an enlarged fragmentary view of the discharge end of the draper and particularly illustrating the stubble shield.

Fig. l0 is an enlarged perspective View of the reel sprocket shown in disassembled spaced relation.

Fig. 11 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of a portion of the harvesting frame,

Fig. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of the sickle drive housing.

Fig. 18 is an enlarged perspective View of the Y parts of the reel driving sprocket shown in disassembled spacedrelation.

Referring more in detail to the drawings:

i designates a windrower constructed in accordance with the present invention and which includes a 'main frame 2 and a lateral .harvester frame 3 extending substantially at right angles to the line ofgdraft. and which ordinarily creates ay I 'considerable structural problem vbecause of side draft but which in the 'present instance is rigidly supported by a lateral truss 4.

The main frame 2 includes laterally spaced longitudinalsills -5 and 6 and a relatively shorter sill l that are connected in spaced relation by upper and lower cross members 8 and 9. The sill l is connected at its ends with the corresponding ends of the longitudinal sill 6 by diagonals IB and I I. The diagonals It and il are preferably welded to the ends of the shorter sill 'I and are.

secured to the longitudinal sill yt by gusset plates I2 and I 3 as best shown inY Figs. l and 2. The longitudinal sills 5 and 5 are interconnected at their forward ends and by a spacer I4 which cooperates with the cross members 8 and 9 in maintaining parallel relationship of the sills to provide a wheel pocket I5 in which the main wheel I6 is mounted.

The forward ends of the longitudinal sills 5 and 6 are connected with a hitch frame I1 comprising spaced members I8 `and I9 connected at the ends of the longitudinal sills 5 and 6 by fasdraft produced by the harvester section. The tongue is retained in adjusted position by a bolt or the like 24 that extends therethrough and one of a series of laterally spaced openings 25 in the rear ends of the gusset plate. The forward end of the tongue is provided with a clevis 26 which is adapted to be connected to the drawbar of a tractor (not shown).

The rear ends of the longitudinal sills and 6 are also connected by a diagonal member 21 as best shown in Figs. 1 and 8.

The main wheel I5 is carried in the wheel pocket |5 on the end of an axle 28 that is connected at one end with the diagonal sill 'and to the longitudinal sill 6 as shown in Fig. 1. The end of the axle 2B terminates in a suitable spindle on which the main wheel |6 is rotatable. obvious that the main frame 2 is supported by the main wheel l5 and stabilized thereon in a fore and aft direction by connection with the draft vehicle.

Extending transversely below the longitudinal sills 5, 6 and 1 is a pivot shaft 29 which is suitably mounted in bearings 39 and 39 that are attached to the undersides of the respective sills. The shaft 29 carries a sprocket 3| that is fixed thereto and which is driven by a sprocket 32 through a chain 39. The sprocket 32 is attached to the main wheel so that it is rotated thereby to rotate the shaft 29 as later described. The chain is tensioned about the sprocket 32 by an idler sprocket 34 engaging the underrun of the chain and which is secured in position by a bracket attached to the main sill 5.

The harvester section is carried by a pivot frame 35 adapted to rock on the shaft 29. The pivot frame includes postl members 36, 31, and 38 and have their lower ends pivoted on the shaft and connected below the main frame by a transverse plate 39 located a sufficient distance below the main frame to allow free pivoting of the pivot frame. The upper end of the post 36 is connected by a gusset plate 49 with the outer end of a main spine section lll which extends transversely of the upper ends of the post 31 and 38 and which is suitably connected thereto.

The spine section 4| comprises an inverted V-shaped member having a substantially vertical rear leg 92 and a forwardly and downwardly inclined front leg 93. The lower edges of the respective legs are anged inwardly as indicated at 92 and 43' to connect with a plate 44 to form a substantially hollow spine member of triangular cross section as best shown in Figs. 4 and 8. The inner end of the spine section 4| projects slightly beyond the inner side of the post member 38 and the legs and plate thereof are provided with angles 45 to connect similar angles 96 of a continuing spine section 91 by means of bolts' (see Fig. 1). The section 41 conforms in construction and cross sectional shape to the spine section 4| and extends the full width of the harvester section. Spaced from the post 38 is a post 49 which cooperates with an end post 50 and intermediate posts 5| in carrying a draper frame l 52 comprising front .and rear angle members 53 and 59. The rear angle member 59 extends from the post 49 to the endmost post 50 and the space .therebetween is closed by sheet metal to provide Itis bers 59 with the upturned ends 69 of longitudinalA members 6|, the lower ends of the brace members 59 being connected with the ends 59 by gusset plates 62. The lower ends of the vertical members 51 are connected with the longitudinal members 6| by similar gusset plates 93. The longitudinal members 5| are connected with the transverse members 53 and 54 to carry a sheet metal bottom 99. The outer end of the harvester frame is closed by an end wall 65 which includes a grain divider 65.

Fixed to the harvester frame on the outer side of the end wall 65 is a wheel supporting post 51 of channel shape, the web |58 thereof being attached to the end wall with the anges 59 and 1G extending outwardly as best shown in Fig. 3. The attachment of the wheel supporting post 61 is reinforced with respect to the frame by side angles 1| and also by a plate 12 that connects with the upper end of the endmost post 59. Carried by the wheel post and extending laterally therefrom in alignment with the pivot shaft 29 is a spindle 13 that mounts a grain wheel 19 which carries the outer end of the harvester section.

The front portion of the harvester frame is connected to the post 59 adjacent the wall 65 by' a tension member 15. Cooperating with the member 15 in alignment with the respective sides' of a grain discharge opening 15 are similar tension members 11 and 18 having their upper ends secured to the front leg of the spine sections by angles 19 and 89. The forward ends are interconnected by the tcp plate 8| of a housing 82 which includes a front plate 83 and a rearwardly extending bottom plate 84. The plates 8| and 92 have vertically aligned bearings 85 and 86 for mounting Ithe shaft 81 of a bell crank 98 which has one arm 89 connected with a drive rod 90 of a sickle bar 9| and the other arm of the bell crank is connected by a ptman 92 with an eccentric 93 mounted on the inner end of the pivot shaft 29. The sickle bar is reciprocable in a guard r91| that extends along the front member 53.

The triangular spine and framework thus de scribed provides a substantially rigid structure in resisting torque strains, but to assist in maintaining lateral alignment of the harvester section, the main and harvester frames are connected by la main diagonal brace 95 which is shown in detail in Fig. 6. The brace 95 includes one section 99 attached to the plate 39 below the post 91 ,and the forward end of 4the section I95 is connected by a joint |99 with a section |9 having its forward end connected with the bottom plate 84. The joint |09 is best illustrated in Fig. '7 and includes a tapered socket member |92 on the section |9| anda tapered lug |03 on the section 99. The lug is drawn into the socket by a drawbolt |94.

The frames are also connected by a supplemental diagonal brace |05 which connects the inner end of the plate 39 with the outer side of the ybottom plate 94. The end of the harvester section adjacent the housing 82 is connected with 1a grain divider |95 which is also secured to the tension member 18 shown in Fig. 2. The rear edge |91 of the grain :divider terminates adjacent the forward side of the draper in cooperation with the -backboard 55 to form a grain opening Y The rear ends of the longitudinal sills 5 and 6 mount a cross shaft |09 which cooperates with la similar cross shaft ll connecting the gusset accese? plate 40 with a bracket I I I attached to the rear leg of the spine to interconnect balancing springs ||2 and H3. The lower ends of the springs are provided with hooks ||l| which are engaged over 'the cross rod |09 and their upper ends are connected with eye bolts I6 that are adjustably positioned within openings of the rod H6 by means of adjusting nuts I |1 to adjust action of springs and thereby counterbalance Ithe 'harvester frame ron the axis of the pivot shaftl and axle of the grain wheel. Fixed to the forward' portion of a longitudinal member ||8 is a post H3 having a plurality of openings |20 for adjustably positioning a reel supporting `arrn |2|, the rear end of which is pivotally mounted on an angle bracket |22 that is attached to the rear leg of the spine by a -pivot'bolt |23. The opposite end of the harvester frame carries'a similar arm |24 which is pivotally mounted on the post 50 and a plate like bracket |25. The rear end of thearm |24 projects beyond the backboard of the harvester and is connected with the post 50 by a brace |26. Mounted on the front end `of the arms |2| and |26 is a reel shaft |21 carrying a reel |28 that is rotatable over the sickle to carry the grain into contact with the sickle and deliver the grain onto lthe draper 56.

The draper 55 includes a belt |29 having an upper run |30 adapted to move toward the discharge opening for carrying the grain thereto and a lower run |3| movable over the pan botn tom 64. The ends Iof :the draper are supported on rollers |32 l.and |33,'the ends of which `are suitably j'ournalled within the bearings |311 carried by the front and rear members 53 and 5ft of the draper frame. The gusset 4|) is also connected with the top 30 of the housing 5| by a diagonal brace |35 which includes sections |36 and |31 removably connected together by bolts A lever arm |33 is provided to raise and lower lthe harvester section (see Fig. 8). This arm includes a sleeve mernbery |30 slidably mounted on a 'tubular guide IM having its lower end pivoted as at |62 to the end of a cross member |l3 extending transversely of the converging portion of the hitch frame. Connected with the sleeve member |60 are upper and lower diverging `arms |44 and |65 that are `braced laterally from the bracket by a brace |46.- The arm |45 is also connected with the gusset plate 40 by a brace |41 so that the lever arm |39 extends rigidly from the pivotal section of the main frame and terminates in a lever |48 that is attached to the sleeve member mitv and which extends into convenient reach of the operator of the `tractor vehicle. The lever |48 also preferably includes a suitable latch mechanism (not shown) .to retain the Asleeve in an adjusted position on the guide Il. lSuch latch mechanisms are well known and forms no part of the present invention.

The operating parts ofthe machine are `actuated from the pivot shaft 29 as now to be described: Extending transversely o-f the pivotal section of the main frame and mounted in suitable .bearings |52 on the posts 31 and 33 is a countershaft |53 carrying a sprocket |54 in alignment with sprocket |55 (Fig. 8) on the pivot shaft and operating over the respective sprocket is a chain |56 to drive the countershaft |53, the sprocket |f| being preferably connected with the countershaft through a clutch |56 which connects the sprocket .with the shaft when the main -wheel is moved in a forward direction but which effects disconnection-upon backing ofthe machine or yback turning of the main wheel."

Also mounted on the countershiaft |53 is a sprocket '|51 which drives asprocket |58 through a chain |53. The sprocket |58 is mounted on a stub shaft Io that is carried by lanarm |60 which is pivoted on the coun-tershaft and has its upper end connected with a tie link IBI with the angle-bracket |22. The stub shaft has a bracket portion |53b which bears again-st the arm |60 when a nut |580 is tightened Von a reduced threaded end |58d of thel Stub shaft |58a, suitable Awashers |58e having been inserted between the nut |558c and the arm |60. Connected in driving relation with the sprocket |58 is a sprocket |62 (Fig.v 1) that registers with a sprocket |63 on the end of "the reel shaft |21 and which is actuated from the sprocket |62 `by a chain |64 as best shown in Figs. 2 and 4. The sprocket I 63 is frictionally retained between a driving plate |63a Iand a ring |6319. The parts are retained in assembly by bolts |63cthat extend through slots |63d in the plate |63a, through the opening I63f in the sprocket, and through aperl bar.

The draper is actuated from the grain wheel (Fig. 3). The grain wheel is provided with a bevel gear |68 which meshes witha pinion gear |53 on a shaft |10, the shaft |10 being journalled in a bearing bracket 11| carried between the angle 1| and post 50. The rear end of the shaft carries a sprocket |12 that drives a chain |12' operating overa sprocket |13 on a stub yshaft |14.

The stub shaft |14 is -mountedon a' plate |15 that is carried `by the post 50. Fixed in driving relation with the sprocket |13 is a pulley I16having a grooved periphery mounting an endless belt |11 which operates over a pulley |18 von an extension of the draper shaft |19 vof the draper roller. The -pulley is loosely mounted on the draper shaft and has a clutch face |60 meshing with a similar clutch face |8| on the springpressed collar |82 which is slidably keyed to the shaft. When the grain wheel `is `operating in a forward ydirection the clutch face of the clutch collar engages -the pulley to drive the draper but when the grain wheel moves in reverse direction as when turning -a corner, the reversemovement of the pulley |8| moves the clutch collar out of clutching engagement therewith to stop actuation of the draper until the grain wheel again moves in ,ya forward direction.

rl'he roller |32 for the opposite end of the draper is ladjustably mounted on a rod |83 slida'bly mountd in the'gusset plate 63 and adjustably positioned in a bracket |84 Athat projects from the rear Iof the back wall of theharvester pan. The end of `the rod is threaded and retained in ladjusted position `by nuts V|' which engage against the bracket |84. The opposite end of the roller isvcarried by a plate |85 that is adjustably attached 'to the front transverse member 52 by bolts |86 that extend through the slots |31 in the plate So that upon loosening of the bolts the plate may be slid along the angle mem-.- ber to yalign the Yroller |32 after which :the bolts |86 are retightened.

In order to prevent the stubble from interfering with discharge of the grain from off the delivery end of the conveyor, .the front -transverse member carries a stubble guard |88 that inclines downwardly from the front transverse member and prevents the grain cut by the portion of the sickle immediately in front of the discharge opening from falling onto the stubble and interfering with discharge of the cut grain by the draper. In order to assist discharge of the grain lfrom Vthe stubble guard, the ends of the stubble'guard may be provided with rearwardly converging slots |89 through which the bent over end of the stubble rises as the machine is moved along the field vand effect vdischarge of any cut grain that tends tolodge on the'stubble guard.

The width of the windrow maybe adjusted by positioning the rear portion |90 of va flexible wing |90 to and from the discharge end of the draper. The wing |99 consists of a rearward and downward extension of the divider |06. This adjustment is eii'ected by a link |9| having a plur-ality of apertures |92 for passing a fastening device by which the end of the -link is connected with the brace (see Figs. 1 and 8). It is obvious that by inserting the fastening devicein the proper aperture 92 the wing i90 may be set'closer to the roller |32 or be moved therefrom to vary the space between the roller 32 and therear edge of the wing.

In using the machine constructed` and assembled as described, the clevis 26 is connected with the draw bar of the tractor (not shown). The weight of the machine is then carried on the main and grain lwheels and stabilized by connection with the tractor. When the machine moves over uneven ground in following the tractor the frames thereof pivot on the axles of the main vand grain wheels. The tongue 22 may be adjusted for the side draft effected by l.the grain wheel by positioning the bolt 2li in the proper opening 25 to cause the machine to move in `a straight-away direction with the sickle extending at right angles lto the path of travel.

When the machine is being drawn by `the tractor turning of the main wheel operates the pivot shaft 29 to drive the countershaft |53 through the chain |55, sprocket |54 and clutch |56'. Rotation of the countershaft drives the sickle through the sprocket |65, chain |61, sprocket |69, eccentric 93, pitman 92, bell crank 88 and drive rod 90. The countershaft also drives the reel |28 through the Isprocket |51, chain |59, sprocket |58, sprocket |62, chain |64, and sprocket |53.

When the machine moving ina forward direction, the draper is being operated by the grain wheel through the gears |68 and |09, shaft |10, sprocket |12, chain |12', pulley |16, belt |11, pulley |18, clutch collar |82, and draper shaft |19. The upper run of the draper is therefore moving along the rear of the sickle toward the discharge end thereof.

The harvester section is tilted on the axis of the shaft 35 and the grain wheel 14 to effect raising and lowering of the front of the harvester section so that the sickle bar is at the proper cutting height. This is effected by the operator of the tractor who grasps the handle |48 and shifts the lever |39 on the ypost |4I to rock the pivot and harvester frames `on the axis of the pivot shaft 29 and grain wheel. It is thus obvious that the harvester pivots independently of the axis of the main wheel. In this way main wheel is located in a position so that the major weight is balanced thereon to enhance the traction of the wheel and providevpositive and effective drive for the reel and sickle.

The springs |2 substantially balance the harvester section on its pivotal axis so that little effort is needed on the part of the tractor oper` Y ator to adjust the cutting height.

With the machine in operation, the reel moves the grain into contact with the sickle and lays the cut grain over on the draper whereby the cut grain is carried toward and discharged through the opening 16 onto the ground progressively with movement of the machine to form a windrow. The grain cut by the sickle which is in registry with the windrow topples over the stubble guard. The stubble guard is kept clear of cut grain by the action 'of the stubble which moves through the slots |89, the stubble racking the grain 01T of the guard. This is an important feature as it prevents grain from bunching upon the guard. and returning under the draper to clog the drive roller.

Upon reaching the opposite side of the field, the operator guides the tractor to move along that side of the field and so on around the field. During turning of the corners the grain wheel being on the inside of the turn, stops its forward movement and rotates in a reverse direction. This action stops movement of the draper so that the cut grain then on the draper and that being cut at the turn is carried on the draper 'without discharge until the machine is again moving in a straight-away direction whereupon the kdraper again starts operation and deposits the grain in a windrow extending along that side of the eld. Automatic control of the draper at the corners, not only provides clearly defined windrows but the stoppage spaces the ends of the windrows to provide clear pathways diagonally of the field. Thus, the central portions of the field may be entered without driving the trucks or wagons over the windrows.

The spine and cantilever support of the draper t and harvester frame thereby provides an eX- tremely rigid and light weight structure and maintains a level position of the sickle. The side draft resulting from the lateral position of the harvester section is readily compensated for by adjustment of the draft tongue and any strains resulting therefrom are taken care of by provision of the main diagonals |35 and |05.

The harvester'unit is readily disconnected from the main and pivot frame upon removal of the bolts 48, which connect the spine sections, the bolts |38 which connect the sections |35 and |31 of the main diagonal |35, the bolts which lconnect the longitudinal member ||8 with main frame, and the bolt |04 which connects the sections of the brace 95. It is also necessary to disconnect the brace |05, angle member 11, reel shaft bearing on the arm 2| and the pitman 92.

From the foregoing it is obvious that the windrower as illustrated and described provides a strong, light-weight structure having a minimum draft and which has the weight centered on the main wheelto effect a positive drive for the reel and sickle. It is also obvious that the spine structure provides a strong rigid support for the harvester unit and permits pivoting thereof on the axis of the pivot shaft and the grain wheel. The arrangement of the drives also eliminates automatic chain tighteners to compensate for pivoting of the main frame on the main wheel and adjustment of the harvester framerelatively to the main frame.

What I claim and desire to secure by Letters Patent is:

1. A machine of the character described including a main frame, a main wheel carrying the main frame, a tongue connected with the main frame for connection with a draft vehicle, a 4countershaft extending transversely of the main frame at the rear of the main wheel, a pivot frame lincluding posts having lower ends vpivotally supported on the countershaft and having up- Wardly extending opposite ends, a spine member connecting the upper ends of the postea spine member forming a continuation of the spine member of the pivot frame, post members having lower ends depending from the last-named spine member, a draper frame having a rear transverse member connected with lower ends of said depending post mem-bers and having a forward transverse member, tension members connecting said last-named spine member with the forward transverse member, arms connecting lower ends of the depending postswith the forward transverse member, a grain wheel supporting the draper frame remote from the main wheel, and diagonal members connecting the forward transverse member of the draper frame with the pivot frame and cooperating with said last-named spine member to space the draper frame from the main frame and provide a discharge opening therebetween through which a windrow' is adapted to fbe deposited by said draper.

2. A machine of the character described including a main frame, a main wheel `carrying the main frame, a tongue connected with the main axial` alignmenti with the; pivotal axis of: said spinek supports, means carryingthe harvester frame `for connection with a draft vehicle, a 1

countershaft extending transversely of the main frame rearwardly of the main wheel, a pivot frame including posts having lower ends pivotally supported on the countershaft and having upper ends, a spine member connecting the upper ends of the posts, a spine member forming a continuation of the spine member of the pivot frame,

post members having lower ends depending from the last-named spine member, arms cantilevered from the lower ends of said depending posts,'fr.cnt and rear transverse members carried yby said arms, tension members connecting the last--v named spine member with the forward transverse members, and a grain wheel supporting the lastnamed spine member remote from the rst named spine member.

3. ln a machine of the character described which includes a harvester unit and a main frame having substantially balanced support upon a main wheel and stabilized in a fore and aft direction by a draft connection with the draft vehicle to which the machine is adapted to be connected, means for pivotally supporting the harvester unit relatively to the main vframe including, a pivot frame comprising a spine member extending transversely of the main frame and along the rear of the harvester unit rearwardly of the main wheel, spine supports connected with the spine member at the end thereof which extends transversely'of the main frame, means pivotally connecting said spine supports with the main frame at the rear of the main wheel for pivotal movement about a transverse axis independently of the pivotal axis on the main frame on said main wheel, a grain wheel support carried at the end thereof remote from the main frame, a grain Wheel means journaling the grain wheel on the harvester unit in unitfrom said'spine member, and counterbal-` ance means connecting the spine member with` the rear of the main frame. to balanceV the harvester unit on Vsaid frame.

4. In a machine of the character` described which includes. a harvester unit and a main frame having substantially balanced support upon ay main wheel and stabilized ina fore` and aft/direction by a draft connection with the draft` vehicle to Whichthe machine is adapted to be connected, a frame for pivotally supporting. the. harvester unit relatively tov the main frame in. cluding, a; spine member extending transversely .of the main frame and along the rear of the harvester unitgandfrearwardly of the main wheel, spine supports connected with the spine mem--v ber at the end thereof which lextends, transversely of the main frame, a countershaft cone necting said spine supports with the main frame at the rear of the main wheel for pivotal move--v ment about a transverse axis independently of the pivotal axis on the main frame on said main wheel, a grain wheel support carried by the end of the spine member remote from the main frame, a grain wheel means journaling the grain wheel on Vthe harvester unit in alignment with the countershaft, a driving connection between the main Wheel and the countershaft, means on.

aft direction by a draft connection with the draft j vehicle to which the machine is adapted to be connected, means for pivotally supporting the harvester unit relatively to the main frame in.-

cluding, a pivot frame comprising. a, spine member extending transversely of the main frame and along the rear of the harvester unit rearwardly of the main wheel, spine supports connected with the spine member at the end thereof which extends transversely of the main frame, means pivotally connectingl said spine supports with the main frame at the rear of the main wheel for pivotal movement about a transverse axis independently of the pivotal axis on the main frame on said main wheel, a grain wheel support carried by the end of the spine member remote from the main frame, a grain wheel journaled on the grain wheel supportin axial align` ment with pivotal axis of said supports for the spine member, means carrying the harvester unit from said spine member, a diagonal member connecting the spine member with the harvester unit, and counterbalance means connecting the spine member with the'rear of the main frame to balance the harvester unit on said main frame.

6. In a machine of the character described which includes a harvester unit and a main frame having substantially balanced support upon a main wheel and stabilized in a fore Iand aft direction by a draft connection with the draft vehicle to which the machine is adapted to be connected, means for pivotally supporting the harvester unit relatively to the main frame including, a pivot frame including .a spine mem- 11 ber extending transversely of the mainframe rearwardly of the main Wheel, a spine member having removable connection with the first named spine member for forming continuation of said spine member along the rear of the harvester unit, spine supports connected with the spine member, means pivotally connecting said spine supports with the m-ain frame at the rear of the main wheel for pivotal movement about a transverse axis independently of the pivotal axis on the main frame on said main Wheel, said removable spine member having an outer end, a grain Wheel support carried by the outer end of said removable spine member, a grain wheel journaled on the grain wheel support in coaxial alignment with pivotal axis of said spine vsupports, means carried by the' removable spine member for supporting the harvester unit, tension members extending from the said spine member to the harvester unit, and counterbalance means connecting the first named spine member with the rear of the main frame to bal-` ance the harvester unit on said main frame,

7j A windrower adapted to be pulled by a tractor, said windrower including a longitudinally extending main frame, a main wheel carrying the main frame for pivotal balance about a transverse axis on which the main wheel rotates, said main frame having a rear portion projecting rearwardly from the main wheel for support of a harvester section and a forwardly extending. portion adapted for connection with a tractor, a pivotal frame extending transversely of themain frame and having a lower portion pivotally connected with said rear portion of the main frame and having an upper portion extending upwardly from the pivotal connection with the main frame, a harvester section having a spine member forming a lateral continuation of the upper portion of the pivotal vframe,

Ya grain wheel, means connected with the end 12 pivotal 'frame with the rear portion of the main frame.

8. A Windrower adapted to be pulled by a tractor, said windrower including a longitudinally extending main frame, a main Wheel carrying the main frame for pivotal balance about a transverse axis on which the main Wheel rotates, said main frame having a rear portion projecting rearwardly from the main wheel for support of a harvester section and a forwardly extending portion adapted for connection with a tractor, a counter shaft Vjournalledv transversely of said rear portion of the main frame, a pivotal frame extending transversely of the main frame and having a lower portion pivotally connected with said rear portion of the main frame coaxially .with the axis of the counter shaft and having an upper portion extending upwardly from the pivotal connection with the main frame, a driving connectionbetween the main wheel and the counter shaft, a harvester section having a spine member forming a lateral continuation of the upper portion of the pivotal frame, a grain wheel, and means connected with` the end of thespine member opposite the pivotal frame for mounting the grain wheel for rotation about an axis in aligning registry with the pivotal axis of the pivotal frame and to form a support cooperating with the main frame in providing a transverse axis on which the harvester section is adapted to be raised and lowered in accordance with the height of a crop to be windrowed, driving connections between the counter shaft and the harvester section, and a counter balance spring connecting the upper portion of the pivotal frame with the rear portion of the main frame. l

LESTER E. OBERHOLTZ.

References Cited in the le of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS Number Name Date 1,199,678' Euiason sept. 26, 1916` 1,847,288 Worthington Mar. l, 1932 1,974,410 Caughey Sept. 25, 1934 2,281,059 Anderson et al Apr. 28, 1942 2,354,962 Oehler et al Aug. l, 1944 2,395,672 Kranick et al Feb. 25, 1945 2,532,164 Hansen et al Nov. 28, 1950 

